Best places in Western Mass? (Worcester, Springfield: ski resorts, schools, camping)

[apb5]

We are looking to move our three kids possibly to Western Mass- we are a huge ski family living in Vermont. Any suggestions? we're looking for a small town feel but not too far out there.

[skytrekker]

Northampton along the Connecticut river is a great place to live.

[wheelmannn]

Or Hatfield right next door.

[Zeppelin]

Westfield is a decent place to live. Great Schools. Not to far from Urban Springfield, Not way out there. Near Routes I-90 and I-91

[NC from MA]

Try Rutland, MA...it is the geographical center of the state and only 15 minutes from Wachusett Mountain Ski area. Kind of rural...about 30 minute drive to Worcester.

[heavnlydreamgirl]

I would highly reccomend the Berkshires. Plenty of area lakes, close to 4 ski resorts, plenty of state forrests for hiking, biking, and camping. Close proximity to Albany,NY or Springfield, Ma about 45 mins to each. Pittsfield is a small city, def some areas to watch out for but south county Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge all have a nice downtown. If your looking for more isolated areas Otis, Becket, Savoy and Hinsdale are very small towns. Plenty of cultural events mass mocha, normal rockwell, tanglewood. The only down side is the New Yorkers in the summer and fall leaf peepers.

[Vagus]

Originally Posted by apb5

We are looking to move our three kids possibly to Western Mass- we are a huge ski family living in Vermont. Any suggestions? we're looking for a small town feel but not too far out there.

I'm not getting why you even want to move? Skiing's definitely better in
VT than in MA! You'd probably just end up spending all your time and money going back to VT!

[litlux]

I would also recommend the northern Berkshires on the Vermont border. It is hard to be too specific without knowing budget and work constraints, interests beyond skiing (Vermont clearly has the best skiing around!) and so forth. I am in North Adams where the Green Mountains begin. There are farms nearby in Williamstown,MA, and just over the border in Pownal and Stamford, VT .

Younger children have lots of activities and advantages here, though the school systems are a matter of local debate. What are you looking for?

[Kb410]

Try looking at Belchertown. It's only 1/2 hr from Mt. Tom and it has a small community feeling as well. Really nice country, but close enough to malls so you don't feel isolated. Best part is they have a great school system and the town really promotes recreation for the kids.